2013 MINI Paceman: Los Angeles Auto Show Preview

MINI is set to launch the 2013 Paceman crossover on its North American debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Based on the same platform as the Cooper Countryman hatchback, the Paceman has been liberated of a couple of doors and granted a lower, sloping roofline.

MINI has also announced a starting price of $23,900 in Cooper Paceman trim. That rises to $27,500 for the turbocharged Cooper S Paceman, and the all-wheel drive Cooper S Paceman ALL4 will cost from $29,200. All are available from March 2013, and all are subject to a $700 destination and handling fee.

The Cooper uses a 121-hp 1.6-liter engine, while the Cooper S boosts power to 181-hp. Official EPA fuel economy figures have not yet been revealed, but expect it to be similar to the identically-engined Cooper Countryman and Cooper S Countryman--30 mpg combined, and 29 mpg combined, respectively.

The company promises the Paceman will be even more fun to drive, yet with the same raised seating position for a better view of the road.

As ever with MINI, a host of interior and exterior options will be available, allowing drivers to configure their car in thousands of different ways.